Community- Weighted Mean Plant Traits Predict Small Scale Distribution of Insect Root Herbivore Abundance

摘要: Small scale distribution of insect root herbivores may promote plant species diversity by creating patches different herbivore pressure. However, determinants small herbivores, and impact land use intensity on their are largely unknown. We sampled measured vegetation parameters soil water content along transects in grasslands management three regions Germany. calculated community-weighted mean traits to test whether the functional community composition determines herbivores. To analyze spatial patterns trait abundance we computed Mantel correlograms. Insect mainly comprised click beetle (Coleoptera, Elateridae) larvae (43%) investigated grasslands. Total numbers were positively related indicating high growth rates biomass (specific leaf area, reproductive- vegetative height), negatively poor tissue quality (leaf C/N ratio). Generalist Elaterid larvae, when analyzed independently, also furthermore dry mass, but not quality. cover, richness content. Plant a lesser extent displayed autocorrelation, which was influenced intensity. spatially autocorrelated. conclude that semi-natural with share generalist affiliate large, fast growing plants, presumably because availability quantities food. Affiliation plants counteract dominance those species, thus promoting diversity.